Latisse and Iris Pigmentation

I wanted to clarify some facts about Latisse,TM and its effect on eye color.

Latisse started out as a drug named LumiganTM which was used to treat glaucoma. Glaucoma is a chronic illness of the eye and patients with glaucoma are on meds for a long time, often a lifetime. LumiganTM is instilled as a drop inside the eye for years of glaucoma treatment. Of those patients on chronic Lumigan use, it was noted that 3% developed a permanent darkening of the iris pigmentation. It was also noted that the patients eyelashes grew really long, thick, dark and luscious. So they did clinical trials and developed Latisse.

Latisse is used to enhance the eyelashes. It first lengthens, then thickens and darkens the eyelashes. We have patients who use it to fill in their thinning eyebrows also. It is applied to the base of the eyelashes, never inside the eye. This is how it differs in its application from Lumigan. In the Latisse clinical studies, 0% had a darkening of their iris. No one in the clinical studies had a color change of their iris. That is because Latisse is used as a different drug and applied differently.

Allergan, the maker of Latisse, must put a warning clause on their product. Legally, they must share that information with the public. But often, the legality of matters is different from the actuality of it.

The only iris color that could potentially darken significantly are the green/hazel irides. The grey/blue irides have little to no pigment to effect significantly. That being said, if you notice a change of color, you should discontinue using the product. If you are interested in trying Latisse, our staff at Liquid Facelift and Laser

Center, will help answer your questions and will gladly show you how to apply it. Please schedule a 10-min visit via our online self-scheduler.